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New York Knicks: Keys to defeating the Los Angeles Lakers on Jan. 21

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Lakers 113-109 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks in action against Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Madison Square Garden on December 12, 2017 in New York City. The Knicks defeated the Lakers 113-109 in overtime. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 12, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 12: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the New York Knicks handles the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 12, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Player To Watch: Kristaps Porzingis

The New York Knicks secured a win to remember during their previous encounter with the Los Angeles Lakers. Not only was it a thrilling overtime victory, but it featured Kristaps Porzingis making history on both ends of the floor.

Following a win over the Utah Jazz that featured Porzingis in a secondary scoring role, it’s fair to believe he’ll need to do something similar in order to secure this victory.

The last time these two teams met, Porzingis went off to the tune of 37 points, 11 rebounds, one assist, five blocks, one steal, and five three-point field goals made. In the process, he became the first player in NBA history to record at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, five blocks, and five treys in a single game.

It’s unlikely that Porzingis will be able to repeat that performance, but the Knicks are going to need him to score at the All-Star level he’s expected to.

Thus far in 2017-18, the Knicks are 13-5 when Porzingis scores at least 25 points and 8-16 when he fails to. That’s as telling a number as any, especially when one considers the fact that a healthy Lakers team is flush with talented players.

New York gave Porzingis something of a break on offense against the Jazz, but it’ll need him to show up with a strong showing against Los Angeles.

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